Page 3 Profile: Chris Christie, New Jersey Governor

Well you can't miss him

Indeed not. The robust Governor of New Jersey has been touring his state and surveying the devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy. The former federal prosecutor is popular, as politicians go, and residents who don't know who he is can find a reminder on his favourite fleece top, which bears the slogan "Chris Christie – Governor". It would be easy to write Christie off as a joke based on his looks alone, but he's an outspoken and honest figure who has long been considered one of the most important weapons in the Republican armoury. Which is what makes his latest move so peculiar.

An attack on Romney?

Rather, a Beltway "bromance" with Obama. Christie has been full of praise for the President's response to the Sandy crisis, while in an interview on Fox News, Christie was asked whether Romney would be visiting damaged areas of New Jersey. Christie replied: "I have no idea, nor am I the least bit concerned or interested. I've got a job to do here in New Jersey that's much bigger than Presidential politics". Meanwhile, Obama was enjoying a photo opportunity at a community centre that produced shots so ripe with emotional heft they could potentially win him the affections of a few vital swing states.

Is Christie just being honest?

Christie has appeared genuinely concerned for the people he represents, but some commentators have claimed that this can only help Christie's chances at the next Presidential election in 2016. It had been rumoured that he refused to be Romney's running mate, believing an Obama victory was on the cards.